| 'Pilipinas
Got Talent' discovers a young Arnel Pineda? |
| MANILA,
Philippines - The country's biggest talent search show, "Pilipinas Got Talent
(PGT)," has found a gem in 16-year-old contestant Jovit Baldivino from Batangas.
|
 |
 |
| Lea's
New York cabaret debut March 9 |
| Yes,
Lea Salonga will have her New York cabaret debut at the famous Cafe Carlyle
in an exclusive three-week engagement for The Journey So Far, from March
9 to 27. |
|
|
| Martin
Nievera says an artist should never be satisfied |
| Nakatuon
ngayon ang buong atensiyon ni Martin Nievera sa forthcoming Valentine concert
nila ng dating asawang si Pops Fernandez... |
|
|
| Time
to say goodbye |
| Fans
of the Apo Hiking Society were recently shocked by the popular singing
group’s announcement that it will disband by the middle of the year...
|
|
|
| Martin
Nievera: Still an incurable romantic |
| Just
like how he is on stage, Concert King Martin Nievera is dangerously spontaneous
when it comes to love. |
|
|
| APO
Hiking Society says goodbye at 40 |
| AFTER
40 years in the music industry, APO Hiking Society is set to retire this
year. |
|
|
| Pacquiao-Clottey
booked for March 13 in Dallas Cowboys Stadium |
| It’s
final—Manny Pacquiao will defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight
title against former welterweight champion Joshua Clottey on March 13 at
the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas. |
|
|
| Martin
and Pops lead Valentine’s with ‘One Amore Time’ |
| Philippine
concert royalties Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez continue their decades-long
tradition of holding a Valentine concert in 2010 via “One Amore Time.”
|
|
|
| Pilipinas
Got Talent will start airing on ABS-CBN in February |
| TV host
-actress Kris Aquino and former ABS-CBN President Freddie Garcia are set
to find the next big stars as they have been named judges of Pilipinas
Got Talent. |
|
|
| Martin
& Gary one more time in US |
| Gary
Valenciano and Martin Nievera will have a one-time only repeat staging of
As 1 in the US East Coast on Feb. 28 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville,
Connecticut. |
|
|
| Martin
and Gary return for second leg of AS 1 Tour |
| For the
fans of Concert King Martin Nievera and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano who
live in the US, the two singers' spectacular 2009 show, AS 1, should be on
an endless run. |
|
|
 
'Pilipinas Got Talent' discovers
a young Arnel Pineda?
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/01/2010
 MANILA,
Philippines - The country's biggest talent search show, "Pilipinas Got Talent
(PGT)," has found a gem in 16-year-old contestant Jovit Baldivino from Batangas.
The judges – Kris Aquino,
Ai Ai delas Alas, Freddie Garcia – have been blown away by Baldivino’s
“unbelievable” voice as he performed his own version of Journey’s
“Faithfully” during the audition.
The episode was aired on ABS-CBN
on February 27.
Baldivino got 3 yes from Garcia,
Aquino and Delas Alas, who were all impressed by his perseverance and drive
to get his family out of poverty.
Delas Alas was also moved
to tears when Baldivino said: "Kahit po ako ay matalo dito, okay lang po.
Basta po naipakita ko po sa inyo kung ano ang tunay na Pinoy.”
"Alam mo magandang example
ka sa mga nanonood ng ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ kasi tumutulong ka
sa pamilya mo," Delas Alas commented.
Aquino chimed in: "And apart
from that, pinagsasabay mo ang pag-aaral, ang pagtulong sa pamilya at ngayon
you're on the road to stardom."
The 4th year high school student
is selling siomai after his class to help his family.
The shy boy from Batangas
said his goal is to finish his studies and, if given a chance, become a popular
singer.
The video of Baldivino's audition
has been uploaded on YouTube. So far, it has been viewed more than 100,000
times.
"this boy is awesome... he
have a nice voice like Arnel P. jst keep it up.. and maybe soon u will be
a good singer too...? idol.. (sic)" commented kheal03, referring to
Journey’s Filipino front man Arnel Pineda.
WATCH
VIDEO! JOVIT BALDIVINO SINGS "FAITHFULLY" ON FILIPINAS GOT
TALENT
Lea's New York cabaret debut
March 9
FUNFARE by Ricardo
F. Lo
Philippine Star, Feb. 25, 2010
 MANILA, FEBRUARY 25, 2010
(STAR) FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo - Yes, Lea Salonga will have her New York
cabaret debut at the famous Cafe Carlyle in an exclusive three-week engagement
for The Journey So Far, from March 9 to 27.
This was confirmed by
Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre who said that Cafe
Carlyle is where some of the world’s top artists have been performing
over the years.
“Having won the Tony
Awards and all the top theater honors when she played Kim in the smash hit
Miss Saigon,” reported Edmund, “Lea has earned the distinction
of being a Broadway royalty.”
According to its website,
Café Carlyle is known for headlining incredible talents, including
Ute Lemper and Woody Allen who regularly appears to jam with the Eddy Davis
New Orleans jazz band. For the past three decades, Café Carlyle has
been synonymous with the legendary Bobby Short who thrilled sell-out crowds
for 36 years. Café Carlyle, the New York City bastion of classic cabaret
entertainment, continues to draw socialites, politicians and magnates into
its distinguished and glamorous setting. It remains an exquisitely well-dressed
place where guests experience and engage in the lost language of elegance
and sophistication.
Erich Steinbock, Cafe Carlyle
managing director, is pleased to welcome Lea.
Edmund included the following
item on Lea, which came out with the announcement of her Cafe Carlyle stint:
From her beginnings in the
recording industry, television and musical theater in her native Philippines,
Lea Salonga was catapulted to international stardom with her Olivier and
Tony Award-winning turn in Miss Saigon. From Saigon to Les Misérables
to the voices of Disney’s Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and the title
character in Mulan, for Lea, this is just The Journey So Far.
Her much anticipated debut
at the Cafe Carlyle will feature songs that cross the genres of Filipino
music, musical theater and the Great American Songbook, including Let’s
Fall in Love, On My Own, A Whole New World and The Journey. Ms. Salonga will
be supported by a quartet led by her musical director and pianist Larry Yurman.
The evening will be directed by Daniel Kutner.
The Journey So Far will
play Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:45 p.m. with an additional show
at 10:45 p.m. on Saturdays. Dinner seatings at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30
p.m. There is a music charge of $75 (Tuesday-Friday), $85 (Saturday) and
$45 at the bar.
The Café Carlyle
is located in The Carlyle Hotel at 35 East 76th Street at Madison Avenue,
and is what Liz Smith calls the “favorite of all New York nightspots.”
Martin Nievera says an artist
should never be satisfied
by William R. Reyes
Philippine Entertainment Portal, Feb. 12, 2010
 Nakatuon
ngayon ang buong atensiyon ni Martin Nievera sa forthcoming Valentine concert
nila ng dating asawang si Pops Fernandez, One A-More Time. Gaganapin ang
concert this Sunday, February 14, 8p.m., sa SMX Convention Center, Pasay
City.
Bagamat beterano na sa larangan
ng pag-awit at pagpe-perform ang tinaguriang Concert King, hindi raw siya
nakukuntento o nasa-satisfy ng anuman kaugnay sa kanyang propesyon.
"Oh, no! Never! I'm never
satisfied," tugon nga ni Martin sa tanong ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment
Portal) kung masaya't kuntento na siya sa over two decades ng pagtatagumpay.
"If there's one thing that
an artist should not be, that's being satisfied," patuloy niya. "You always
have to strive for perfection, to improve your craft, to reinvent yourself,
to listen to the more knowledgeable, the more talented, and try not to listen
to the less talented and...[the] akala-mo-marunong-sa-lahat kind of people.
And the business is filled with them!"
Sila ni Pops, the acknowledged
Concert Queen, ang dalawa sa maituturing na ring mga haligi ng industriya
ng musikang Pinoy na patuloy ang paglalaan ng panahon at pagbibigay-kontribusyon
sa lalo pang ikatatatag nito.
At kahit malaon na ring
hiwalay bilang legal spouses sina Martin at Pops, sa concert stage ay laging
pinakaaabangan, especially at this time of the year, dahil totoong maraming
Pinoy ang sumubaybay at nagmahal sa ex-couple.
HEALTHY COMPETITION. Martin's
greatest "rival" Gary Valenciano is also still very much around. Tinanong
ng PEP si Martin kung ano ang damdamin niya na sila pa rin ni Gary V ang
itinuturing ngayong closest rivals, na walang maaaring itulak-kabigin, pagdating
sa popularity at achievements.
"Well, we're very blessed,"
sagot ng Concert King. "Gary and I were very blessed to have each other,
to compete with, and now we're equally blessed to have each other to perform
with."
Isang healthy competition
na maituturing ang mayroon sila ngayon ni Gary V, pananaw rin ni Martin.
"So, we took it to another
level. Now, we're no longer competitors. We're kampi na," nakakatuwang pahayag
pa ni Martin.
"CONCERT KING" AND OTHER
TITLES. Nang ma-interview ng PEP si Martin ay nasa gitna ito ng kaabalahan
sa paghu-host ng ASAP XV sa ABS-CBN studios. Una'y hihingan lang sana namin
siya ng maikling mensahe kaugnay ng request ni Zsa Zsa Padilla na i-quote
namin siya (Martin) tungkol sa pagbibigay niya ng "Divine Diva" title sa
singer-actress. But Martin is such an enthusiastic interviewee, who will
go on talking about any subject he finds interesting; injecting his statements
with his trademark wit and good sense of humor.
Siya nga raw ang nagbigay
ng "Divine Diva" title kay Ms. Zsa Zsa.
"Yes, [and] I also gave
Ai-Ai [delas Alas] the Comedy Concert Queen title!" pag-volunteer pa ni Martin
ng impormasyon. "Ay, I'm flattered that they use it, and I am even more flattered
that they remember kung saan galing yung idea. But I take no credit. They
really deserve those."
As to his own "Concert King"
title, tila hindi na "big deal" ngayon kay Martin ang napagkilanlan sa kanya,
although he still appreciates having the title associated with his being
a top-caliber singer-performer.
"Well, I don't really know
what that means anymore," aniya. "Each and every year, it gets less and less
loud, the title. Titles are not that 'in' anymore. During our time—Gary
and myself, Zsa Zsa—it was the 'in' thing. But now, all these great
artists, we're running out of titles for everybody! Sa daming magagaling
kumanta.
"I think, Kapamilya is the
best word!" kuwelang banggit pa ng Concert King, na tulad ni Gary V ay isa
pa ring certified Kapamilya, o miyembro ng ABS-CBN family.
ON WEARING YELLOW. Speaking
of Martin ang Gary V, being more of rivals in a healthy competition—"we're
'kampi' na," as Martin puts it—tinanong din ng PEP ang tungkol sa "pagkampi"
naman ni Martin sa sinumang kandidato sa forthcoming May 2010 local and national
elections. Or, pareho din ba sila ni Gary ng susuportahan, kundi man hayagang
ikakampanyang kandidato sa pagka-presidente at iba pang posisyon sa darating
na halalan?
"Well, ah, I think...,"
pansumandaling nag-isip si Martin, trying to compose his thoughts on the
matter. "I mean, we don't really talk about politics. Both Gary and I are
permanent residents of the Philippines, so we can really campaign for anybody.
"But if we were to campaign,"
he added, "I'm sure it would be for the same candidate. Well, I've got offers
to campaign for this and that, but I've not accepted any offers.
"I think, both Gary and
I are pretty much... He went to La Salle [known for the color green], but
we both gonna wear yellow," makahulugang banggit ni Martin, at ipinakita
ang suot niyang yellow wrist watch, without uttering a single word.
Time to say
goodbye
by Nestor Torre
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Feb. 12, 2010
 Fans
of the Apo Hiking Society were recently shocked by the popular singing
group’s announcement that it will disband by the middle of the year.
Its 40-year career has produced so many great songs and vibrant musical memories
that fans can’t be blamed for wanting the music to go on—and on.
But, Jim, Buboy and Danny
now have other priorities and want to make their exit while they’re
at the peak of their musical game. You’ll agree that this is much better
than many other senior performers’ “kapit-tuko” way of holding
on to the vestiges of their careers, even into their embarrassingly dicey
dotage.
Dynamic presence
And, while we will miss
the Apo’s dynamic presence in the music scene, we will still have all
those great songs to warm and delight us. In good time, too, we can look
forward to the production of a Pinoy musical utilizing the Apo’s best
songs for its soundtrack.
We agree, however, that
what we’ll miss most is the Apo’s unmatched penchant for using
their songs and spiels to comment on contemporary issues and concerns and
thus open the populace’s eyes to the realities of the changing times
that they should confront and affect, rather than conveniently escape from.
Hopefully, a younger musical
group will be inspired by the Apo’s sterling example to step into the
breach and pick up from where they left off in this regard. That should be
a tall order, however, since sense and sensibility are more the exception
than the rule in these parts. Still, we can hope and dream, can’t we?
Well, hello, Nora
Just as the Apo are bidding
adieu to their fans via a farewell Valentine concert, the good news is that
drama icon, Nora Aunor, is ending her years-long hiatus in the States to
stage a comeback concert here in mid-2010. —Well, hello, Nora, it’s
great to have you back where you belong, and your loyal Noranians must be
in seventh heaven at the prospect of hearing you sing live again.
Of course, we won’t
be satisfied until you also star in a good comeback movie, so we’ll
be doing what we can to actualize that exciting possibility, hopefully within
the year. Stars come and go, but the original Superstar is here to stay.
Martin Nievera: Still an incurable
romantic
by Alex Valentin Brosas
Manila Bulletin, February 7, 2010
 Just
like how he is on stage, Concert King Martin Nievera is dangerously spontaneous
when it comes to love.
“I’m Mr.
Impromptu,” Martin told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online in an interview
held at the 7107 Cruise Ship for his and Pops Fernandez’s forthcoming
Valentine’s concert “One Amore Time” at the SMX Convention,
Mall of Asia, Feb. 14.
But while he won’t
say what his most romantic gesture was to a loved one, he does admit that
he once proposed marriage hastily, without all the well-planned trimmings.
“I won’t mention
names but there was one time I proposed marriage but I didn’t have a
ring. So I used seaweeds from the ocean. I tied the seaweeds into a ring.
The girl didn’t think that I was serious but I used that seaweed as
my ring to ask for her hand in marriage,” he narrated.
The girl agreed to the
proposition, “but we never got married.”
“I knew that where
we were at that moment was the perfect time to ask her but I wasn’t
prepared. I made do with what I had. It’s a beautiful day, there’s
a beautiful sunset. What a perfect time. I’m dangerously spontaneous,”
added the balladeer.
And while he does have the
reputation of being wacky in concerts, Martin is nevertheless a very organized
guy… and domesticated, too.
“I love putting up
trees (Christmas), I love organizing furniture, wrapping gifts, mag-plantsa
and mag-vacuum. I don’t know what it is. It’s very calming,”
he shared.
However, having grown up
in the US where Valentine’s Day is not as celebrated as in the Philippines,
he remembers no special February 14.
“Ever since, nagtatrabaho
na ako pag Valentine’s; always with Pops—when we were just friends,
married and then again, now. It’s all work. To me, everyday is
Valentine’s.”
Given this, Martin makes
his Valentine concerts very special and worth remembering.
“[The way] to make
Valentine’s even more special is [to] share it with everybody. Pops
and I obviously have shared a whole lifetime with all the people. What better
way to make Valentine’s more special than by joining forces [for a show]
and inviting the world to watch,” he mused.
The loquacious singer was
rendered speechless when asked what song he can’t sing on the day of
hearts.
After collecting his thoughts,
he said, “There’s a song that I wrote when Pops and I separated
and I only sang it once, and that’s when I recorded it. Then I sang
it in one concert and never sang it again. It’s called ‘Before
You Say Goodbye.’ It’s a song that I never even arranged. That
would be a song I would never sing on Valentine's.”
For all of Martin’s
romantic impulses, he is also the type that loves surprises. He and Pops
would try to spring one surprise after another on each other when they were
still together.
“Pops and I, when we
were still married, we try to out-surprise each other. Every surprise gets
better and better than the other.”
For their upcoming show,
the Concert King assures die-hard Pops and Martin fans that they’ll
enjoy “One Amore Time.”
“Halos lahat ng mga
kanta, may bagong arrangement. I think it’s the perfect line-up for
a perfect Valentine show. It’ll get everybody in the mood. They’ll
have a chance to fall in love.”
Despite the appearance of
younger performers in the scene, Martin and Pops are still the couple to
beat on Valentine’s Day. What’s the secret?
“I think it is because
we’re a walking, talking, singing, dancing true story. Filipinos love
true stories, especially one without an ending. Pops and I have not remarried
yet. We’ve seen different people but we’ve not settled down with
someone else. Until that day, the Martin and Pops mystery will continue.
For as long as there’s a mystery, I think, there will always be interested
concertgoers,” Martin explained.
Will it ever get demystified?
“I don’t think
it ever will---[and] I don’t think I want to. I think God put us together
for whatever reason and I think it’s to love each other and [loving]
each other doesn’t mean you have to be married. We were married, we
have two beautiful children and now we’ve gone on [to] the next
level.”
APO Hiking Society says goodbye
at 40
by Glaiza Jarloc
SunStar, Jan. 18, 2010
 AFTER
40 years in the music industry, APO Hiking Society is set to retire this
year.
The trio composed of Jim
Paredes, Buboy Garrovillo, and Danny Javier, is scheduled to do "Last Valentine's
nAPO Nila" this February 13 at the SMX Convention Center.
Garovillo said there were
already talks since last year about their retirement from the music scene.
"Sa totoo lang since last
year pa namin napapagusapan to, we decided to pursue individual interest
also," he said.
Garrovillo added: "We thought
that if we will be just doing things like this and nothing new is coming
we might get bored with ourselves and before that happens, let's put a timetable
to it because our audience might get tired of us."
The three veteran singers
already accepted the truth that showbiz is not forever.
"Every person in showbiz
has an end, sometimes you think things are forever. No, they're really not,"
Paredes said.
He added: "When it's over,
its over."
Javier also thought that
celebrating their 40 years of doing great OPM music together is a good
opportunity to end their careers. "It's a journey, that's life."
The trio said the industry
has always been set for the younger ones.
"Showbiz in the Philippines
is a business that caters to the young market, the very young market. We
have done several albums, we tried to promote."
When asked abou their plans
after their musical retirement, Paredes said he might continue his teaching
career in Australia.
Garovillo, on the other
hand, will love to continue acting and his entertainment career, while Javier
will still try to do his advocacies in the province of Mindanao.
APO Hiking Society said
the audience is set for the best in their upcoming Valentine's Concert.
"We will talk about love,
people falling apart, falling out of love, people falling again," Garrovillo
said.
"It's a 1000 percent
performance, a great reportage that took 40 years to make, surprise and delight
and entertainment like no other," Paredes added.
Though retiring, the three
are still positive that the best is yet to come.
"Life goes on. If you ask
me have each of us done the best in our lives? I think I haven't. You have
a lot more to hear from Buboy Garovillo, Danny Javier and Jim Paredes maybe
as individuals, this is a phase in life that comes to an end, the music goes
on and on," Paredes said.
APO Hiking Society started
out as a Filipino Musical group at the Ateneo de Manila University as a huge
ensemble vocal group.
Paredes, Garovillo, and
Javier were the only members who pushed through with their musical career.
The group made 22 record
albums, hosted the long-defunct Sunday show "Sa Linggo nAPO Sila," and sung
countless hits and concerts.
APO earned international
recognition for Paredes's song "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo," which was also
launched abroad.
Pacquiao-Clottey booked for
March 13 in Dallas Cowboys Stadium
by Jun Medina, Special
Correspondent-The Manila Times
Jan. 12, 2010
 It’s final—Manny Pacquiao
will defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight title against former
welterweight champion Joshua Clottey on March 13 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium
in Texas.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao will
be named the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Athlete of the Decade
during its traditional annual Awards Night set on March 1 at the Manila Hotel.
Pacquiao has been named PSA Athlete of the Year five times this decade—from
2002 to 2004, then in 2006 and 2008.
Already elevated by the
country’s oldest media organization to the Hall of Fame last year, Pacquiao
is no longer eligible for the coveted Athlete of the Year award, but remains
a major part of the year’s top sports achievers’ list on account
of his Hall of Fame exploits in the first 10 years of the new century.
Pacquiao’s promoter
Bob Arum announced he has reached a deal with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to
host the fight at the modern arena, which will be configured to seat 50,000
or more.
Arum told the Los Angeles
Times that Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 by knockouts) stands to earn $10 million
to $20 million from the fight against the hard-punching Clottey (35-3, 20
knockouts).
A press conference announcing
the fight is scheduled for January 18 at the Cowboys home turf, also known
as Jerry World, in Arlington, Texas. This will be followed by another press
conference in New York the next day.
According to Matt Stalow
of Dallas Boxing Examiner, March 13 is a firm date because the March 20 fight
date being considered by Top Rank is already taken by a motocross event at
the $1.2 billion arena.
Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s
trainer, said his prized Filipino fighter is scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles
Sunday from Manila and will immediately plunge into training at Roach’s
Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.
Exciting fight
Roach said style-wise, Clottey
promises to be a very exciting, action-filled match-up for Pacquiao because
both punchers love to fight.
The 22-year-old Clottey,
one of the top-flight contenders in the talent-filled welterweight division,
is best remembered for his victories against former undisputed welterweight
titlist Zab Judah and the late Mexican slugger Diego Corrales.
He also had close fights
with former top welterweights Miguel Cotto, who beat him via split decision
in 2009; and Mexican brawler Antonio Margarito, who is being groomed to return
to ring in the undercard of Pacquiao-Clottey.
In his fight with Margarito,
the rugged slugger from Ghana was winning their fight until he broke his
hand in the fourth round and eventually lost via unanimous decision.
Roach said Pacquiao is prepared
to fight the winner of the title unification fight between “Sugar”
Shane Mosley and Andre Berto on January 30 should he go past Clottey.
Meanwhile, Golden Boy Promotions
Chief Executive Richard Schaefer said Mayweather is determined to fight a
yet to be determined opponent on March 13.
If this is true, the
pay-per-view broadcaster HBO would have to choose which
fight—Pacquiao’s or Mayweather’s—to air on that date.
This is a component of the
promotion that does not appear to worry Arum, since Top Rank is used to packaging
its own pay-per-view fights.
Schaefer is mum on who
Mayweather will be fighting on March 13, but among those being mentioned
are former junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi, who was stopped
by Ricky Hatton in the 11th round in their November 2008 fight, and
Hatton’s younger brother Matthew.
Schaefer also said Mayweather
is willing to later fight Mosley, who has repeatedly accused Floyd of ducking
him.
“At 147 pounds, the
man to beat is ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley,” Schaefer said told LA
Times’ Lance Pugmire. “Floyd will take that fight and will shut
up all those who are saying he’s a coward.”
Martin and Pops lead
Valentine’s with ‘One Amore Time’
From CELEBRITY WORLD
by Crispina Martinez-Belen
Manila Bulletin, January 11, 2010
 Philippine concert royalties Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez
continue their decades-long tradition of holding a Valentine concert in 2010
via “One Amore Time.”
Unlike many of their past
Valentine gigs, however, “One Amore Time” is concept-driven; that
is, it will channel the passion and vibrancy of Latin teleseryes into a musical
extravaganza that’s bound to be the sexiest and most daring for its
stars.
According to concert producer
Mae Vinluan-Dolonius of Mauve Management and Entertainment, “One Amore
Time” will base its repertoire and dance numbers on a teleserye-ish
storyline. The concert to be held on Feb. 14, 2010 at the SMX Convention
Center, SM Mall of Asia will be directed by Rowell Santiago.
Martin considers “One
Amore Time” special because he and his ex-wife will once again get to
celebrate love in a way only they can.
“When Pops and I do
a show together, it’s more real compared to others because we had a
past even as we have a present because of our kids,” said he, adding
that their son Robin thought up the title “One Amore Time.”
Pops, on the other hand,
looks forward to singing songs in the concert that they have not done before.
“It’s one
Valentine’s show in which you’ll feel love just by watching it
whether you already have someone special or not. We’re looking into
doing old and new songs, either hit or obscure, that we’ve not done
before so it’s something new both for us and our fans,” she said.
The two revealed that they
have spent most Valentine’s Day together even before they got married
and after they parted ways.
“We’ve hardly
had a Valentine’s Day dinner, let alone a full date on Feb. 14 because
we usually have shows together, solo or with other artists that day. Then
again, that’s not so bad because we at least make our fans happy…
make them feel the love,” said Martin.
Pops joked: “Yes, the
highlight of many of our Valentine’s Day together is greeting each other,
‘Happy Valentine’s’ – and then snoring the rest of the
night away.”
“One Amore Time”
is nothing to sneeze (or even snore) at especially because it is by one of
the most enduring and loved concert partners in Philippine music history.
It is recalled that Martin and Pops have done at least a dozen well-received
Valentine’s concert together beginning when Pops sang back-to-back with
Martin in “1984: Looks Like Love” at the Manila Hotel Fiesta Pavilion.
And although “One Amore
Time” may not bring back Martin and Pops into each other’s arms,
the two promised one thing to their fans.
“All the questions
they may have about our love life, they will find out in the concert.”
Pilipinas Got Talent
will start airing on ABS-CBN in February
Philippine Entertainment
Portal, January 11, 2010
 TV host -actress
Kris Aquino and former ABS-CBN President Freddie Garcia are set to find the
next big stars as they have been named judges of Pilipinas Got Talent.
ABS-CBN's talent and reality show will air starting February on the Kapamilya
Network.
Kris is elated to work with
the former president and chief operating officer of ABS-CBN, whom she described
as the "ultimate star maker" responsible for the success of many programs
and artists in the entertainment industry.
"When I found about the
opportunity to be with the man responsible for the golden age of television,
I told myself that I cannot let this opportunity pass me by," Kris said.
"PGT will give us a chance to discover new talents and make new stars and
Freddie Garcia is the ultimate star-maker."
Aquino, Garcia, and a third
judge will join hosts Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford in visiting five key
cities to check out the shortlisted candidates vying to be the first Pilipinas
Got Talent winner.
When asked how she will
conduct herslf as a judge, Kris said she will be the "most lovable and
compassionate judge" and will serve as the "balance" to the judges. Her message
to the hopefuls is simple: "Show what you've got and do your best because
the two minutes you'll spend can be the biggest break in your life. You can
become one of the biggest stars in the country."
Aspirants from Visayas will
prove to the judges that they've got talent in the first round of judging
to be held at SM Cinema 1 Cebu on January 22 and 23. This will be followed
by PGT aspirants from Mindanao on January 29 and 30 in Capitol University
in Cagayan De Oro City. Hopefuls based on the Greater Manila Area will be
screened in Quezon City on February 5 and 6, Southern Luzon at the University
of Batangas on February 12 and 13, and North and Central Luzon at University
of Baguio on February 16 and 17.
Pilipinas Got Talent
premieres February on ABS-CBN.
Martin & Gary one more
time in US
From FUNFARE By Ricardo F.
Lo
The Philippine Star, January 11, 2010
 Gary Valenciano and Martin
Nievera will have a one-time only repeat staging of As 1 in the US East Coast
on Feb. 28 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
US Filipinos just can’t
get enough of Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano, thanks largely to rave
reviews and word of mouth.
By popular demand, the
critically-acclaimed and commercially hit As 1 back-to-back concert of the
Concert King and Mr. Pure Energy will have a one-time only repeat staging
in the US East Coast on Feb. 28 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Showtime is 4 p.m.
According to Edmund Silvestre,
Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent, “As 1 is the highest-grossing
Filipino concert in the US in 2009. The US tour was sold out, including the
Oct. 25 performance at the Mark Etess Arena of Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic
City, produced by Group Ole and Lemar International.”
The return engagement will
be produced this time by the newly-formed Di Ba Entertainment, Inc., a group
of Fil-Am nurses in CT in their first concert venture, with Carousel Pinoy
as line producer.
“Martin and Gary gave
a superb show that everyone kept talking about it, prompting these nurses
(producers) to bring them back to the East Coast and this time in
Connecticut,” Edmund quoted Terry Badiola of Carousel Pinoy as saying.
Di Ba Entertainment says
it is restaging the “concert event of the year” in response to
strong public clamor to fly back the reigning kings of Philippine music.
The staging of Martin and
Gary’s show at Mohegan Sun Arena (located within the luxurious Mohegan
Sun Casino & Resort) will come one day after the Black Eyed Peas take
center stage in the same venue.
Reminded Edmund, “Black
Eyed Peas, of course, is one of the world’s most popular bands, with
one of its members a true-blooded Filipino, Allan Pineda (a.k.a. apl.de.ap).
Its song Boom Boom Pow is the most downloaded single in 2009.”
[Ticket prices for As 1
at Mohegan Sun Areana are $150 (VIP), $98, $78 and $58 and may be obtained
by calling (203) 300-9830, (203) 407-9421, (203) 530-8711, (646) 912-3896,
(718) 470-0181, (401) 943-3710, (508) 476-0009, (917) 691-2335, (908) 265-1430,
or (201) 886-1705.]
-----------------------------------------------------------
Tickets are
available online at
www.tiketanonline.com
2009 in review: Sex, lies
and videotape
by Mario Bautista
Malaya, Jan. 1, 2010
BEFORE we say a final goodbye
to 2009 let’s take a last glimpse at the passing year, which will always
be remembered as the year a black president was elected in the US, the year
of AH1N1, Michael Jackson passed away, Tiger Woods’ squeaky clean image
was erased due to extramarital affairs, Filipino Efren Penaflorida won as
CNN Hero of the Year, Manny Pacquiao won his sixth boxing title defeating
Oscar de la Hoya and his seventh title by beating up Miguel Cotto.
But local readers will be
more interested in what happened on the romantic scene at the home front.
The year started with the news of breakups. Jolina Magdangal admitted calling
it quits with Bebong Munoz after six years. Before the year is over, she
has found new love in the arms of RiverMaya drummer Mark Escueta.
Couples who were also reported
to have split up are Beth Tamayo and husband Johnny Wong, Aleck Bovick and
Carlo Maceda, Pops Fernandez and Jomari Yllana, Vhong Navarro and Desiree
del Valle, Mickey Ferriols and Archie Alemania, Cristine Reyes and Dennis
Trillo.
Singer Jay-R survived a
horrible train accident in a tunnel in L.A. at the start of the year with
his non-showbiz girlfriend of six years named Liza. Before the year has ended,
they have broken up and he has hooked up with Fil-Am newcomer Krissa Mae.
Robin Padilla admitted he and Liezl Sicangco have been divorced since last
year in Australia. Eula Valdes also confessed that she and Fil-Aussie husband
Richard Litonjua have parted ways and she has found a new love in model Rocky
Salumbides who joined "Pinoy Big Brother" PBB. He later had a dramatic episode
with Eula on PBB when he decided to make a voluntary exit as he allegedly
misses her so much.
Angel Locsin and Luis Manzano
went together for over a year then suddenly said goodbye to each other middle
of this year. Teen stars Jennica Garcia and Mart Escudero also broke up,
with the latter trying to woo her again but to no avail. Lovi Poe and Jolo
Revilla also called it quits, allegedly because Lovi felt so hurt when Rosanna
Roces, mother of Jolo’s ex, Grace Adriano, pounced on her just because
she’s Jolo’s girlfriend. Dennis Trillo and Pauleen Luna became
on while taping "Adik Sa’Yo" but this proved to be short-lived. Pauleen
allegedly said she found Dennis weird, but later denied this.
The weddings this year include
that of Dominic Ochoa and make-up expert Denise Ko, Karel Marquez and Armand
Go, Lucita Soriano and a 72-year-old American named Michael Keir in the US,
Alma Moreno and Sultan Fahas Salic of Marawi City, Klaudia Koronel and
businessman Andy Zhang, Bunny Paras and American Tom Greenway, and Korina
Sanchez and Senator Mar Roxas.
Candy Pangilinan and director
Giuseppe Bede Sampedro became officially engaged. Snooky Serna also found
a new love in businessman Ruel de Vera.
But the wedding of the year
was definitely that of Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, who tied the knot
very quietly in San Juan, Batangas on April 28. Now, everyone is pressuring
them to have their first baby, preferably soon.
***
The stork was busy in 2009.
Those who were visited included Mylene Dizon (had her second son sired by
Paolo Paraiso in Chicago), Vina Morales (had a daughter, Ceanna, and later
broke up with the baby’s dad who’s legally married to someone else),
Jenny Salimao (wife of Vandolph), Dawn Zulueta (a baby girl after having
a boy before), Cheska Garcia (a baby girl), Jaya (a baby boy after having
a girl before), and Angelika de la Cruz (a baby boy then she had a church
wedding in Tagaytay with husband Orion Casereo on Dec. 4).
But the Grim Reaper was
busier. Those who went to the great beyond include actor Berting Labra,
actor-rapper Francis Magalona, actress Tita Munoz, actress Yolanda Marquez
(who later became a society columnist, Mary Prieto), the wife of broadcaster
Ted Failon, director Ruben Abalos (best known for the bomba film, "Uhaw"),
singer-activist Susan Fernandez-Magno, actor-body builder Roland Dantes,
Tagalog Ilang-Ilang producer Esperidion Laxa, actors Rudy Meyer, Franco Rivero,
Tony Bernal, Bernard Bonnin and Johnny Delgado, the mother of President Erap,
Doña Mary Ejercito (who left at 103 years old), the mother of reporter
Jun Lalin, and the fathers of reporters Rey Pumaloy and Mario Dumaual.
Rochelle Barrameda’s
sister, Ruby Rose, who had been missing for three years, was finally confirmed
to have been murdered and put in a drum. The case against her suspected killers
is now in court. But the one mourned by the entire nation was President Cory
Aquino, who was very much a part of showbiz because of her celebrity daughter,
Kris. The outpouring of grief was so immense and so touching that it gave
rise to the candidacy of her son Noynoy for president. During her funeral,
Willie Revillame had a tantrum while the funeral was being shown in "Wowowee."
Many viewers found it so offensive and disrespectful that he was suspended
from hosting the show for one month.
Among the top achievers
of 2009, there is director Brilliante Mendoza who won the best director award
at the prestigious Cannes International Filmfest for his movie, "Kinatay."
This is the highest honor ever achieved by any local filmmaker. New director
Pepe Diokno won the first film feature award in Venice for "Enkwentro."
One of the memorable characters
of 2009 is Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao. The mother of "Pambansang Kamao" Manny
Pacquiao did not just bask in her son’s reflected glory but now has
a showbiz career of her own as a TV and movie star, ballroom dancer and also
as an endorser.
Rustom Padilla came back
from the States as a woman who wants to be called BB Gandanghari. He got
a couple of assignments on TV but this didn’t prove to be that beneficial
in forwarding his showbiz career.
The list of the year’s
hottest controversies is led by the Hayden Kho sex scandal whose illicitly
recorded bedscenes with various partners, led by Katrina Halili and Maricar
Reyes, became fodder on the Internet and were later collected and sold as
pirated DVD. Katrina sued Hayden and his license as a doctor has since been
revoked by the Professional Regulation Commission. The case has also been
elevated by the Department of Justice to the courts. Katrina’s career
suffered but GMA continued to give her villain roles in "Rosalinda" and "Darna."
In contrast, Maricar just
kept quiet and ABS-CBN continued to support her by giving her more shows.
Hayden claims he has changed and now wants to lead a quiet life, but his
alleged latest suicide attempt in a pineapple field in Cavite only made him
more controversial. Obviously, we haven’t seen the end of this, what
with Katrina determined to see him behind bars.
***
The controversial people
of 2009 includes Annabelle Rama, manager of talents in her Royale Era
Entertainment, who waged a big war with GMA executive Wilma Galvante that
started with her rejection of a role in "SRO Cinemaserye" for ward JC De
Vera. Wilma eventually filed a case of libel against Annabelle in court and
she also filed countercharges. Annabelle also had a tiff with own daughter
Ruffa Gutierrez on her suspicion that Ruffa was having an affair with John
Lloyd Cruz. Both Ruffa and John denied it, saying they’re just good
friends. Ruffa became the Avon spokesperson for Violence against Women.
PEP, an online entertainment
portal, reported that Richard Gutierrez poked a gun at Michael Flores at
the birthday party of their director Mark Reyes in March. Richard denied
this and filed a libel case against PEP. This was dismissed by a trial court
but the Department of Justice reversed the decision. Richard proved to be
one of the most talked-about stars this year. He figured in a vehicular accident
in Tagaytay in May where his production assistant, Nomar Pardo, perished.
The widow, Lorraine Pardo, later filed a case against Richard for reckless
imprudence.
The next most controversial
issue is the reported affair between Manny Pacquiao and "Wapakman" co-star
Krista Ranillo. Initially, Manny said "no comment" about it, only aggravating
the situation since he did not deny it straight off. Allegations later that
it’s just part of the promo of their movie proved ineffective. Krista
and his dad Mat Ranillo threatened to sue those writing about it but the
threats proved to be empty. In subsequent interviews, Manny’s wife,
Jinkee, admitted in effect that the alleged affair between Krista and her
husband had indeed badly affected their marriage. Gina Alajar got involved
in the issue when she wrote in her Facebook account that she is for Team
Jinkee and that Krista Ranillo is not at all worth it.
Pacman also became controversial
when it was reported that he’s leaving GMA Network to move to ABS-CBN
in March but his contract with GMA and Solar prevented him from doing this.
GMA gave him two shows, "Pinoy Records" and "Show Me Da Manny" and his triumphant
bouts with Hatton and Cotto later proved to be real topraters and moneymakers.
Another controversial actor
is Baron Geisler. After being sued by the daughter of William Martinez and
Yayo Aguila for sexual harrassment, Yasmien Kurdi also made the same complaint
while they were taping for GMA’s "SRO Presents." He also later figured
in a fight with Aljur Abrenica while they were filming the movie "Nandito
Ako" on location in Bohol.
Stars who resigned from
existing roles include Sunshine Dizon who claimed a case of burnout and left
"Tinik sa Dibdib" and "Starstruck V" where she was replaced by Nadine Samonte
and Iza Calzado, respectively. Then there’s Mark Anthony Fernandez who
resigned from "Darna" reportedly to rest for his new movie with Claudine
Barretto (who left ABS-CBN and jumped ober da bakod to GMA) and the new soap
with Regine Velasquez, "Diva." Dina Bonnevie also asked that her character
in "May Bukas Pa" be killed as she’s tired of doing the long-running
show.
The floods of typhoon Ondoy
affected so many areas last September and stars whose homes were ravaged
include Cristine Reyes in Provident Village Marikina, Jean and Jennica Garcia
in Vista Real, Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto in Loyola Gran Villas,
Emilio Garcia, Camille and John Prats in Cainta, Gladys Reyes, Jed Madela,
Sylvia Sanchez, Kai Brosas, Joseph Bitangcol, Pilita Corrales in New Manila
and Carmina Villaroel-Zoren Legaspi in Pasig. Other stars led by Ogie Alcasid
spearheaded a fund-raising concert for the victims, "Kaya Natin To," held
at the MOA Grounds.
Many foreign stars held
concerts in Manila but the most successful were those of the two Davids,
Cook and Archuleta from "American Idol" at the MOA, and Lady Gaga at the
Big Dome.
Martin and Gary return for
second leg of AS 1 Tour
by Ted Reyes
 NEW
YORK- For the fans of Concert King Martin Nievera and Mr. Pure Energy Gary
Valenciano who live in the US, the two singers' spectacular 2009 show, AS
1, should be on an endless run.
Likewise for the two production
outfits bringing this show together: Di Ba Entertainment-formed by a group
of nurses from Connecticut and Carousel Pinoy, a little bit more of a great
thing won't hurt either.
So it was agreed: On Sunday,
February 28, 2010 at 4:00 PM, the legendary Filipino singers will kick off
another leg of the AS 1 tour at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.
The show was just too successful
a show not to be repeated. It was one of those rare concerts in 2009 that
totally meant a lot to Martin and Gary's fans. In fact, it was one of the
few shows that made people forget the rough effects of the recession and
how bleak the forecasts appear. If entertainers can do such things-make people
forget their worries, then that is entertainment of the highest order and
thus indeed deserve an everlasting run.
"AS1 was such a memorable
concert for me," said Chiqui Arnaz of Queens, New York, who traveled down
to Atlantic City to see her two idols perform. "I will gladly watch them
again and again."
This upcoming show in February
promises to be even better than its predecessor as the two titans of Philippine
music share one stage and bring their hit songs to the audience up close
and personal. More so, the choice of the Mohegan Sun as the venue is a
masterstroke on the part of Carousel Pinoy and its fellow producers. Mohegan
Sun is such a dazzling place where only good things can happen.
According to Ronald Lao,
a musician, it is rare to have these two legends perform
in one stage knowing that they used to be rivals back
in the 80s: "This is unprecedented," Mr. Lao, said. "It is like having the
Beatles and the Rolling Stones perform together in a show back in the late
60s. It is just fantastic that this is happening."
Generally, 2009 was not
the perfect time to hold concerts. People, uncertain of their futures due
to the financial meltdown, were apprehensive in spending money on things
that don't fall under the necessities list. However, Martin and Gary's AS
1 proved that great entertainment must be in the necessities list. Few would
argue. Only entertainment could alleviate the ill effects of a depressed
economic situation.
Thus it is a brilliant idea
to stage this second leg on AS 1 early in 2010. For this would set a positive
tone throughout the year, and perhaps even a lifetime.
Martin Nievera is the son
of legendary Filipino balladeer Bert Nievera. Martin began his own singing
career in 1982 with his debut album Martin...Take 1, which hit platinum status
in just a few months after release. Martin became an instant success and
in no time found himself hosting television shows, particularly Penthouse
Live with future wife, Pops Fernandez, and his own show Martin After Dark.
Martin continued to belt out hit songs even up to now, and he still hosts
several shows on television like ASAP. With hit numbers like Be My Lady,
Holiday, Ikaw Ang Lahat sa Akin, and You Are My Song, Martin is a certified
Filipino music icon.
Recently, Martin became
a resident performer in one of the world class hotels in Las Vegas. He has
become such a draw in the Vegas circuit that he successfully crafted a
non-Filipino fan base, who frequent Vegas for amazing performers.
While Martin hit superstardom
in Manila back in 1982, another performer was magnificently creating a stellar
career with his electrifying dance moves and powerful vocals. When the young
Gary Valenciano burst into the Filipino entertainment scene in 1983, nothing
was the same. Gary, aside from his Jackson-esqe dance routines have written
and recorded a string of unforgettable hits that became soundtracks to a
whole new generation: Sana Maulit Uli, Di Na Natuto, Reaching Out, Take Me
Out of the Dark, Shout for Joy, Hang On, and many more. To see Gary live
is to see energy in the flesh, hence his moniker, Mr. Pure Energy.
Gary has performed all over
the world and has been with some of the best names in the world of entertainment,
including Ricky Martin, prince, Santana, Craig David, Charlotte Church and
the likes.
Now having two artists with
this kind of hi-wattage careers in one roof for one show is a dream come
true for their fans, and for themselves as well. This alone make AS 1 a historic
entertainment event. And who wouldn't want to witness something of this
magnitude? Nobody, that's who.
After the Mohegan Sun show
on February 28, the tour will move to Tampa, Florida on March 6 at the Ford
Amphitheater , then to Los Angeles, California on March 21 at the Pasadena
Civic Auditorium, and then to Las Vegas, Nevada and Vancouver, Canada.
Tickets for the Mohegun
Sun show are now on sale for $150 (VIP), $98, $78,58 For more information
on the Mohegan Sun show please call 203.300.9830 / 203.407.9421 / 646.912.3896
/ 718.476.0181 / 917.691.2335 / 201.886.1705. or visit
www.carouselpinoy.com
or
www.tiketanonline.com.
The Mohegun Sun is located at 1 Mohegun Sun Blvd., Uncasville, CT 06382.
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